Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Ancillary Revenue • Catering Services • ASK (Available Seat Kilometers)

Flight Planning

Term from Airlines industry explained for recruiters

Flight Planning is an essential process in the airline industry where professionals prepare detailed plans for aircraft journeys. It involves mapping out routes, calculating fuel needs, checking weather conditions, and ensuring all safety requirements are met before a flight takes off. This is similar to planning a long road trip, but much more complex due to aviation rules and safety needs. Flight planners or dispatchers use special computer systems to create these plans, working closely with pilots and air traffic control to ensure safe and efficient flights.

Examples in Resumes

Created and optimized Flight Planning routes resulting in 15% fuel savings

Managed Flight Plans for international routes across 20 countries

Used advanced Flight Planning software to coordinate multiple daily operations

Developed training materials for new Flight Planning specialists

Typical job title: "Flight Planners"

Also try searching for:

Flight Dispatcher Flight Operations Officer Aviation Planner Route Planning Specialist Flight Operations Coordinator Air Navigation Specialist

Where to Find Flight Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle an emergency re-routing situation for multiple aircraft?

Expected Answer: Should explain their experience coordinating with multiple teams, prioritizing flights based on fuel and weather, and maintaining clear communication with all parties while following safety protocols.

Q: Describe how you would optimize flight routes for a fleet of aircraft to reduce costs.

Expected Answer: Should discuss considering factors like fuel efficiency, weather patterns, overflight permits, crew scheduling, and maintenance requirements while balancing safety and cost.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when creating a flight plan?

Expected Answer: Should mention weather conditions, fuel calculations, aircraft performance, alternate airports, route restrictions, and coordination with different departments.

Q: How do you stay updated with aviation regulations and weather changes?

Expected Answer: Should describe use of weather monitoring systems, staying current with aviation notices, and maintaining regular communication with relevant authorities.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic elements of a flight plan?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic components like departure/arrival points, route, fuel calculations, alternate airports, and weather considerations.

Q: How do you prioritize safety in flight planning?

Expected Answer: Should discuss checking weather minimums, ensuring proper fuel reserves, following regulations, and maintaining clear communication with flight crew.